Change your name to match your gender identity
You start the process of changing your name to match your gender identity by filling out court forms.
How to fill out forms to change your name
🔗 Links to court forms below open in a new tab.
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Fill out forms
Fill out these forms:
- Petition for Change of Name (form NC-100)
- Since you are changing your name to match your gender identity, make sure to check box 6 on form NC-100.
- Name and Information about the Person Whose Name is to be Changed (form NC-110) (and attach it to the NC-100). On Item 7c, explain you're changing your name to match your gender.
- Order to Show Cause—Change of Name to Conform to Gender Identity (form NC-125)
- Civil Case Cover Sheet (form CM-010) (some courts do not require this form)
- Decree Changing Name (form NC-130) (fill out the boxes at the top and Item 3)
💵 You will need to pay a fee when you file the forms ($435 - $450). If you can't afford the fee, fill out another form to ask for a fee waiver.
📌 You can download the forms or you can use an online program to fill them out.
⚠️ If you're worried about safety, you may be able to keep your request confidential
You can ask the court to keep your name change confidential if you're in the:
- State Witness Program, or
- Safe at Home address confidentiality program and are changing your name to avoid domestic violence, stalking, or human trafficking, or are a victim of sexual assault,
Learn how with Information Sheet for Name Change Proceedings Under Address Confidentiality Program (Safe at Home) (form NC-400-INFO).
💬 Talk to your self-help center to find out options.
If you're worried about safety, there are people that can help you come up with a safety plan to keep you safe at home, work, school, other places that you go, and online. Go to the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-SAFE.
- Petition for Change of Name (form NC-100)
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Find out if you have any local forms to fill out
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Some courts also have local forms you have to use.
- Check with your court clerk’s office or your court's website (link opens in a new tab), or talk to your self-help center to ask if they have any local forms you need to use.
- Your self-help center may also be able to review your forms before you file them.
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Make a copy
- Make 1 copy of all of your forms.
- When you file them, the court will keep the original and return the copy to you, stamped.
- Keep the copy for yourself.
Change your name to match gender identity
What's next?
Once you’ve completed the forms, you’ll file them with the court clerk.